[[Image:Aswan River Nile.jpg|thumb|right|450px|The River Nile as it passes through Aswan]]

[[Image:Aswan River Nile.jpg|thumb|right|450px|The River Nile as it passes through Aswan]]

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'''Aswan''' is a city in the south of [[Egypt]], some 680km (425 miles) south of [[Cairo]], just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, with a population of 275,000. Aswan is far more relaxed and smaller than [[Cairo]] and [[Luxor]].

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'''Aswan''' (Arabic: أسوان‎ ''Aswān'') is a city in the south of [[Egypt]], some 680km (425 miles) south of [[Cairo]], just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, with a population of 275,000. Aswan is far more relaxed and smaller than [[Cairo]] and [[Luxor]].

==Understand==

==Understand==

Line 13:

Line 13:

Aswan International Airport is situated 25km SSW of the city, on the west bank and just south of the high dam. Public buses don't go to the airport and security on the approach road to the terminal is tight, so it's probably worth taking a taxi, for which you must agree a price in advance. It is possible to argue the fare down to LE25, but LE30 to LE40 is more realistic (and easier) for most foreigners.

Aswan International Airport is situated 25km SSW of the city, on the west bank and just south of the high dam. Public buses don't go to the airport and security on the approach road to the terminal is tight, so it's probably worth taking a taxi, for which you must agree a price in advance. It is possible to argue the fare down to LE25, but LE30 to LE40 is more realistic (and easier) for most foreigners.

Egypt's passenger train service runs along the Nile between [[Cairo]] and Aswan. Travel time to [[Luxor]] is around 3 hours on 1st/2nd class AC services. Five AC express services depart to [[Cairo]] each day, taking 13-14 hours (55LE 2nd class, 109LE 1st class), in addition to the Abela sleeper train (US$60, two trains each evening, one continuing to [[Alexandria]]). Tickets sell out so it important to buy a day or two in advance.

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[[Image:Aswan railway station street.jpg|thumb|right|Railway Station Street]]

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Egypt's passenger train service runs along the Nile between [[Cairo]] and Aswan. Travel time from [[Luxor]] is around three hours on 1st/2nd class AC services. Five AC express services arrives from [[Cairo]] each day, journey time is around 13-14 hours costing 57LE for second class, 113LE first class. In addition there are two sleeper trains, departing 8PM and 9:35PM from Cairo's Ramsis station, prices starts at $60. Tickets often sell out so make sure you buy them a few days in advance.

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Aswan train station is on the northern end of the city centre, a few hundred metres inland from the river. Leave plenty of time to buy tickets, as the service at the counters is slow. Mini buses depart from outside the station (turn right as you exit the terminal), and there are a number of cafes and basic hotels on the blocks between the station and the river.

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The train station is on the northern end of the city centre, a few hundred metres inland from the river. Leave plenty of time to buy tickets, as the service at the counters is slow. Mini buses depart from outside the station (turn right as you exit the terminal), and there are a number of cafes and basic hotels on the blocks between the station and the river.

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[[Image:Aswan railway station street.jpg|thumb|right|Railway Station Street]]

===By car===

===By car===

Line 30:

Line 29:

===By boat===

===By boat===

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Dozens of cruise ships depart from [[Luxor]] to Aswan everyday. These can be booked through agents or at the actual ships themselves. Also a boat to Wadi Halfa in sudan departs once a week.

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Dozens of cruise ships depart from [[Luxor]] to Aswan everyday. These can be booked through agents or at the actual ships themselves. Also a boat to Wadi Halfa in Sudan departs once a week.

==Get around==

==Get around==

Line 37:

Line 36:

To access the sights on the river islands or on the West Bank, you will need to cross the river by motor boat or felluca. Be sure to pay attention to the price as operators try to overcharge tourists.

To access the sights on the river islands or on the West Bank, you will need to cross the river by motor boat or felluca. Be sure to pay attention to the price as operators try to overcharge tourists.

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If you take the public ferry to the West Bank, you pay only 5LE.

==See==

==See==

Line 54:

Line 54:

===The River and Islands===

===The River and Islands===

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* <see name="Elephantine Island: Nubian Villages &amp; Aswan Museum" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Nubian villages of Siou and Koti occupy this island. Also home to the famous [[:Wikipedia:Nilometer|Nilometer]]s and the Temples of Sati, Khnum (ancient rams-head god) and Pepinakht-Heqaib. Movenpick resort is on the island. The Aswan Museum (Adult: 25LE, Student 15LE) at the southern end of the island houses items found during escavations on Elephantine Island.

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* <see name="Elephantine Island: Nubian Villages &amp; Aswan Museum" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Nubian villages of Siou and Koti occupy this island. Also home to the famous [[:Wikipedia:Nilometer|Nilometer]]s and the Temples of Sati, Khnum (ancient rams-head god) and Pepinakht-Heqaib. Movenpick resort is on the island. The Aswan Museum (Adult: 25LE, Student 15LE) at the southern end of the island houses items found during excavations on Elephantine Island.

Also, be careful of unsolicited tours from locals, which will result in a request for baksheesh. There is regular boat taxi to Elephantine Island run by the locals for only 2LE for one crossing but they will charge more for tourists.</see>

Also, be careful of unsolicited tours from locals, which will result in a request for baksheesh. There is regular boat taxi to Elephantine Island run by the locals for only 2LE for one crossing but they will charge more for tourists.</see>

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* <see name="Aswan Botanical Gardens" alt="" address="" directions="On the entirety of Kitcheners Island to the west of Elephantine Island" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="10LE">Lord Kitchener, who owned the 6.8 hectare island in the 1890's converted it to a botanical garden. Filled with birds and hundreds of plant species and palm trees. Accessible via a felucca tour.</see>

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* <see name="Aswan Botanical Gardens" alt="" address="" directions="On the entirety of Kitcheners Island to the west of Elephantine Island" phone="" url="" hours="" price="10LE" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Lord Kitchener, who owned the 6.8 hectare island in the 1890's converted it to a botanical garden. Filled with birds and hundreds of plant species and palm trees. Accessible via a Felucca tour.The entrance fee is</see>

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* <see name="Seheyl Island" alt="" address="" directions="Just north of the old Aswan Dam" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="7AM to 4:00PM" price="65LE">Friendly Nubian villages. Well known for its excellent beaded jewelry. Also the location of the Famine Stela. Cliff with more than 200 inscriptions from the 18th dynasty,</see>

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* <see name="Seheyl Island" alt="" address="" directions="Just north of the old Aswan Dam" phone="" url="" hours="7AM to 4:00PM" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Friendly Nubian villages. Well known for its excellent beaded jewelry. Also the location of the Famine Stela. Cliff with more than 200 inscriptions from the 18th dynasty,</see>

===West Bank===

===West Bank===

Line 76:

Line 76:

* <see name="Kubbet el-Hawa" alt="" address="" directions="on top of the hill above the Tombs of the Nobles" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Small shrine / tomb of a local sheikh and holy man. The climb is rewarded with amazing views of Aswan, the Nile river and the surrounding landscape, richly evoked in the translation from the Arabic of the place name, "the dome of the wind'.</see>

* <see name="Kubbet el-Hawa" alt="" address="" directions="on top of the hill above the Tombs of the Nobles" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Small shrine / tomb of a local sheikh and holy man. The climb is rewarded with amazing views of Aswan, the Nile river and the surrounding landscape, richly evoked in the translation from the Arabic of the place name, "the dome of the wind'.</see>

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* <see name="Mausoleum of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan" alt="" address="" directions="High up in the west bank" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Tomb of the 48th iman of the Islami sect and his wife. Visible from the outside, although closed to the public.</see>

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* <see name="Mausoleum of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan" alt="" address="" directions="High up in the west bank" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Tomb of the 48th iman of the Ismaili sect and his wife. Visible from the outside, although closed to the public.</see>

* <see name="Monastery of St Simeon" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Oct to May: 8AM-4:00PM; Jun-Sep:7:00AM-5:00PM" price="Adult: 25LE, Student: 15LE">The history of the monastery of St. Simeon dates back to the 7th century, and survived long as a Christian stronghold of southern Egypt until destroyed by Saladin in 1173. While still in use it housed 300 monks, and could in addition receive up to 100 pilgrims at a time. The monastery was surrounded by a 10 metre high wall, and doubled as a fortress. Apparently, the monastery did not return to its original use after Saladin's destruction. To get here, ride a camel or walk from the Tombs of the Nobles.</see>

* <see name="Monastery of St Simeon" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Oct to May: 8AM-4:00PM; Jun-Sep:7:00AM-5:00PM" price="Adult: 25LE, Student: 15LE">The history of the monastery of St. Simeon dates back to the 7th century, and survived long as a Christian stronghold of southern Egypt until destroyed by Saladin in 1173. While still in use it housed 300 monks, and could in addition receive up to 100 pilgrims at a time. The monastery was surrounded by a 10 metre high wall, and doubled as a fortress. Apparently, the monastery did not return to its original use after Saladin's destruction. To get here, ride a camel or walk from the Tombs of the Nobles.</see>

Line 88:

Line 88:

* <see name="Kalabsha Temple" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Like Philae, this temple and its surrounding ruins were moved by UNESCO to save them from the floodwaters of Lake Nasser. The main temple was built to the Nubian fertility and sun god Marul during the rule of Emperor Augustus. Don't miss the Kiosk of Qirtasi and the amazing Temple of Beit al-Wali built by Ramesses II.</see>

* <see name="Kalabsha Temple" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Like Philae, this temple and its surrounding ruins were moved by UNESCO to save them from the floodwaters of Lake Nasser. The main temple was built to the Nubian fertility and sun god Marul during the rule of Emperor Augustus. Don't miss the Kiosk of Qirtasi and the amazing Temple of Beit al-Wali built by Ramesses II.</see>

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* <see name="Abu Simbel" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Most people use Aswan as a base to see this fantastic temple. There is a convoy that departs at 3AM, and is usually arranged by your hotel. See [[Abu Simbel]] article for more details.</see>

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* <see name="Abu Simbel" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Most people use Aswan as a base to see this fantastic temple. There is a convoy that departs at 4AM, and is usually arranged by your tour agent. See [[Abu Simbel]] article for more details.</see>

* <see name="Aswan International Sculpture Park" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Sculptors from around the world exhibit their pieces here every spring for the International Sculpture Symposium. The works are all created in Aswan (on the terrace of the Basma Hotel) and when finished brought to this site and exhibited next to each other within view of the ancient quarry.</see>

* <see name="Aswan International Sculpture Park" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="">Sculptors from around the world exhibit their pieces here every spring for the International Sculpture Symposium. The works are all created in Aswan (on the terrace of the Basma Hotel) and when finished brought to this site and exhibited next to each other within view of the ancient quarry.</see>

Line 107:

Line 107:

* <do name="Tea with the Local Shopkeepers " alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""> You will get a fascinating insight into their daily lives, and they love to practise their English on you.</do>

* <do name="Tea with the Local Shopkeepers " alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price=""> You will get a fascinating insight into their daily lives, and they love to practise their English on you.</do>

You will generally find that Nubian handicrafts are of higher quality and better value in Aswan. All other goods will be more expensive than in [[Cairo]] due to shipping costs to Aswan and the lower tourist demand. Having said that, the Aswan souk is

You will generally find that Nubian handicrafts are of higher quality and better value in Aswan. All other goods will be more expensive than in [[Cairo]] due to shipping costs to Aswan and the lower tourist demand. Having said that, the Aswan souk is

* <sleep name="Old Cataract Hotel" alt="" address="" directions="Abtal El Tahrir Street" phone="+20 97/2316000" email="[email protected]" fax="" url="http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/resort/1666/fiche_hotel.shtml" checkin="" checkout="" price="">'''CLOSED FOR REFUBISHMENT UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2011.''' Live it up like the aristocrats of old! Part of the Sofitel chain of hotels, the Old Cataract Hotel overlooks the Nile River opposite the island of Elephantine. 123 rooms and 8 suites.</sleep>

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* <sleep name="Old Cataract Hotel" alt="" address="" directions="Abtal El Tahrir Street" phone="+20 97/2316000" email="[email protected]" fax="" url="http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/resort/1666/fiche_hotel.shtml" checkin="" checkout="" price="">Live it up like the aristocrats of old! Part of the Sofitel Legend chain of hotels, the Old Cataract Hotel overlooks the Nile River opposite the island of Elephantine. </sleep>

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===Camping===

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* <sleep name="Glory of Nubia Camping Island" alt="" address="" directions="In the heart of the archipelago. Can be reached by motorboat." phone="" url="http://www.gloryofnubia.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="" email="[email protected]" fax=""> On an island in Aswan’s archipelago, natural setting, panoramic view of the Nile and the hills of Aswan. The island is located ten minutes by motorboat from the main land, close to the Mausoleum of Agha Khan and the Monastery of St. Simeon. </sleep>

==Stay safe==

==Stay safe==

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Aswan is generally a very safe city. The locals will look after you like a long lost brother, although I hope they don't try to fleece family like they do Tourists! Women should avoid travelling alone if they are not comfortable with leering men, although they are all bluster.

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Aswan is generally a very safe city. However, do watch out for quite blatant attempts at pickpocketing in the souq. These thieves will approach you carrying scarves, shirts or even papyrus in one hand to sell to you, while attempting to go into your pockets with the other hand. The locals know this goes on, but do not count on them to intervene. Also, women should avoid travelling alone if they are not comfortable with leering men, although they are all bluster. Most horse carriage drivers will not commit on the price when you arrive at your destination and you're expect to give more.

==Contact==

==Contact==

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Internet access is available at Keylany Hotel and Noorhan Hotel for 10LE per hour; however, internet speeds are very slow. Kothor Hotel has internet available for 5LE per hour or 10LE unlimited for your stay, internet speed was reasonable.

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Internet access is available at Keylany Hotel and Noorhan Hotel for 10LE per hour; but internet speeds are very slow. Kothor Hotel has more easonably fast internet available for 5LE per hour or 10LE unlimited for your stay.

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'''NB''': As of August 2004, Aswan has had its telephone exchange upgraded and an additional "2" must now be added to old 6-digit telephone numbers..... The format for overseas callers, for example, should now be +20 97 2xxx xxx. Mobile phone numbers are unaffected by this change.

==Cope==

==Cope==

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There is so much to do around the Aswan area, that time will be an issue. The local people have been very cooperative, and for a price, doors might remain opened regardless of the hour.

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There is so much to do around the Aswan area that time can be an issue. The local people are generally very cooperative, and for a price, doors might remain opened regardless of the hour.

==Get out==

==Get out==

Revision as of 07:03, 19 November 2012

The River Nile as it passes through Aswan

Aswan (Arabic: أسوان‎ Aswān) is a city in the south of Egypt, some 680km (425 miles) south of Cairo, just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, with a population of 275,000. Aswan is far more relaxed and smaller than Cairo and Luxor.

Understand

Ice Delivery from a Cart

Aswan is the smallest of the three major tourist cities on the Nile. Being the furthest south of the three, it has a large population of Nubian people, mostly resettled from their homeland in the area flooded by Lake Nasser. Aswan is the home of many granite quarries from which most of the Obelisks seen in Luxor were sourced. Aswan was the ancient Egyptians' gateway to Africa.

Get in

By plane

Aswan International Airport is situated 25km SSW of the city, on the west bank and just south of the high dam. Public buses don't go to the airport and security on the approach road to the terminal is tight, so it's probably worth taking a taxi, for which you must agree a price in advance. It is possible to argue the fare down to LE25, but LE30 to LE40 is more realistic (and easier) for most foreigners.

By train

Railway Station Street

Egypt's passenger train service runs along the Nile between Cairo and Aswan. Travel time from Luxor is around three hours on 1st/2nd class AC services. Five AC express services arrives from Cairo each day, journey time is around 13-14 hours costing 57LE for second class, 113LE first class. In addition there are two sleeper trains, departing 8PM and 9:35PM from Cairo's Ramsis station, prices starts at $60. Tickets often sell out so make sure you buy them a few days in advance.

The train station is on the northern end of the city centre, a few hundred metres inland from the river. Leave plenty of time to buy tickets, as the service at the counters is slow. Mini buses depart from outside the station (turn right as you exit the terminal), and there are a number of cafes and basic hotels on the blocks between the station and the river.

By car

By bus

From Hurghada (513km away) buses cost 50LE. Tickets are sold on the bus, but be sure to ask the price at the ticket office, because the ticket seller on the bus will often raise the price 5LE or so and pocket the excess if you are a foreigner.

By boat

Dozens of cruise ships depart from Luxor to Aswan everyday. These can be booked through agents or at the actual ships themselves. Also a boat to Wadi Halfa in Sudan departs once a week.

Get around

Aswan is compact enough to negotiate primarily on foot. To access Philae, the High Dam, and the unfinished obelisks, you can take a taxi or a horse-drawn carriage. A taxi excursion to all of these sights should cost 80LE to 100LE per vehicle.

To access the sights on the river islands or on the West Bank, you will need to cross the river by motor boat or felluca. Be sure to pay attention to the price as operators try to overcharge tourists.
If you take the public ferry to the West Bank, you pay only 5LE.

See

Vendor in an Aswan souq

Aswan Town and the East Bank

Nubian Museum, (opposite the Basma Hotel, south of the Old Cataract Hotel, at the southern edge of Aswan town on Sharia Abtal al-Tahrir - approximately a half hour walk from the city centre.), [1]. daily 9AM-9:00PM. Very well organized, features Nubian treasures recovered before the flooding of Nubia.Adult: 50LE; Student: 25 0LE.

Unfinished Obelisk, (South of Aswan). The largest known ancient obelisk, carved directly out of bedrock. If finished it would have measured around 42m (120 feet) and would have weighed nearly 1,200 tons.30LE 15 LE student.

Fatimid Cemetery, (Southern end of Aswan). The faded former glory of the Fatimid empire can be seen on the crumbling graveyard.free.

Ferial Gardens, (Southern end of Corniche). When you're in Aswan you'll have to walk along the Kornish Al Nile (Corniche) at least once. It is a pleasant stroll, made even more pleasant by the fact that you can walk right into the Ferial Gardens at its Southern End. They are a park that is as relaxing as it is beautiful.free.

The River and Islands

Elephantine Island: Nubian Villages & Aswan Museum. Nubian villages of Siou and Koti occupy this island. Also home to the famous Nilometers and the Temples of Sati, Khnum (ancient rams-head god) and Pepinakht-Heqaib. Movenpick resort is on the island. The Aswan Museum (Adult: 25LE, Student 15LE) at the southern end of the island houses items found during excavations on Elephantine Island. Also, be careful of unsolicited tours from locals, which will result in a request for baksheesh. There is regular boat taxi to Elephantine Island run by the locals for only 2LE for one crossing but they will charge more for tourists.

Aswan Botanical Gardens, (On the entirety of Kitcheners Island to the west of Elephantine Island). Lord Kitchener, who owned the 6.8 hectare island in the 1890's converted it to a botanical garden. Filled with birds and hundreds of plant species and palm trees. Accessible via a Felucca tour.The entrance fee is10LE.

Seheyl Island, (Just north of the old Aswan Dam). 7AM to 4:00PM. Friendly Nubian villages. Well known for its excellent beaded jewelry. Also the location of the Famine Stela. Cliff with more than 200 inscriptions from the 18th dynasty,

West Bank

Desert view of the St Simeon Monastry

Tombs of the Nobles. 8AM to 4:00PM. The northern hills of the west bank are filled with the rock-hewn tombs of princes from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period. The 6th Dynasty tombs, some of which form linked family complexes, contain important biographical texts. Inside, the tombs are decorated with vivid wall paintings showing scenes of everyday life, hieroglyphic biographies and inscriptions telling of the noblemen's journeys into Africa. **Note that some locals will hang around the entrance as you climb the hill, and tell you that it's closed and you need a key. They will show you a key, implying that they can help you gain access...for a small fee. Just tell them, "no thanks....just looking", and they should leave you alone.Adult: 20LE, Student: 10LE.

Tombs of Mekhu & Sabni - Reliefs show invasion of Nubia

Tomb of Sarenput II - One of the most beautiful and preserved tombs

Tomb of Harkhuf - Hieroglyphics

Tomb of Hekaib - Reliefs show fighting and hunting scenes

Tomb of Sarenput II - Six pillars decorated with reliefs

Kubbet al Hawa - Located on the hilltop above the other tombs. Stunning views of the Nile

Kubbet el-Hawa, (on top of the hill above the Tombs of the Nobles). Small shrine / tomb of a local sheikh and holy man. The climb is rewarded with amazing views of Aswan, the Nile river and the surrounding landscape, richly evoked in the translation from the Arabic of the place name, "the dome of the wind'.

Mausoleum of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan, (High up in the west bank). Tomb of the 48th iman of the Ismaili sect and his wife. Visible from the outside, although closed to the public.

Monastery of St Simeon. Oct to May: 8AM-4:00PM; Jun-Sep:7:00AM-5:00PM. The history of the monastery of St. Simeon dates back to the 7th century, and survived long as a Christian stronghold of southern Egypt until destroyed by Saladin in 1173. While still in use it housed 300 monks, and could in addition receive up to 100 pilgrims at a time. The monastery was surrounded by a 10 metre high wall, and doubled as a fortress. Apparently, the monastery did not return to its original use after Saladin's destruction. To get here, ride a camel or walk from the Tombs of the Nobles.Adult: 25LE, Student: 15LE.

Around Aswan

The High Dam. Despite being a highly important piece of infrastructure, the Aswan High Dam is (to put it delicately) a bit of a letdown even for dam lovers. 20LE.

Philae Temple, (Agilkia Island). Built to honor Isis, this was the last ancient temple built in the the classical Egyptian architectural style. Construction began in approx 690 BC. It was moved from its original location on Philae Island, to its new location on Agilkia Island, after the flooding of Lake Nasser. A major multinational UNESCO team relocated Philae, and a number of other temples that now dot the shores of Lake Nasser. You can see the submerged original island a short distance away, punctuated by the steel columns used in the moving process. Don't miss the Sound and Light show at night, see picture to the right, the least cheesy of the Sound and Light "extravaganzas". On your feet, look out for the extremely creative guards who will do all in their power to get in your photos, or to point out the hieroglpyhs that you can quite clearly see yourself, all for some baksheesh(tip)! Note also the re-use of the temple as a Christian church, with crosses carved into the older hieroglyph reliefs, and images of the Egyptian gods carefully defaced. There are grafitti dating from the 1800s.

Kalabsha Temple. Like Philae, this temple and its surrounding ruins were moved by UNESCO to save them from the floodwaters of Lake Nasser. The main temple was built to the Nubian fertility and sun god Marul during the rule of Emperor Augustus. Don't miss the Kiosk of Qirtasi and the amazing Temple of Beit al-Wali built by Ramesses II.

Abu Simbel. Most people use Aswan as a base to see this fantastic temple. There is a convoy that departs at 4AM, and is usually arranged by your tour agent. See Abu Simbel article for more details.

Aswan International Sculpture Park. Sculptors from around the world exhibit their pieces here every spring for the International Sculpture Symposium. The works are all created in Aswan (on the terrace of the Basma Hotel) and when finished brought to this site and exhibited next to each other within view of the ancient quarry.

Philue Temple

Do

Aswan Fellucas

Rent a Bike. Bikes available at many hotels. Cross the modern bridge to the east bank and bring back your bicycle afterwards by ferry boat.

Local Felucca Cruise. Aswan is a great place for a local cruise to the nearby islands. Two hours of felucca trip will cost you between 25-50 EP depends on your negotiation skills. See felucca cruise on the Nile.

Buy

The souqs (markets) in Aswan are refreshingly exotic without the same level of high-pressure selling found in some tourist towns further north.
You will generally find that Nubian handicrafts are of higher quality and better value in Aswan. All other goods will be more expensive than in Cairo due to shipping costs to Aswan and the lower tourist demand. Having said that, the Aswan souk is

Eat

Al-Masry Restaurant, Sharia Al Matar. Popular with locals. Great kafta and kebabs, pigeon, and chicken, all served with bread, salad and tahiniDishes: 8LE to 30 LE.

Aswan Moon, Corniche an Nil (Situated on pontoons along the Nile), ☎231 6108. Decent food with cheery service. The local fish joints near the city market can be excellent -- their fish is fresh, and you can watch it cook. Don't miss the crab soup!Mezze: 4LE to 9LE; Pizza: 19Le to 25LE; Kebob: 25LE; Daoud Basha (meatballs and tomato sauce): 13LE.

Drink

Aswan is much less strict on drinking alcohol than Cairo or Luxor, and many of the restaurants sell Stella (Egyptian brand not the Belgian brand) and Saqqara, both of which are lagers and comparable to European beers.

Philae Hotel, (Corniche an Nil), ☎231 2090. Friendly staff, and some of the best views in Egypt (make sure you get a Nile View room). On the downside somewhat rundown rooms, gives you that camping inside feeling, not always plenty of hot water!Singles: 60LE, Doubles: 75LE, 20% premium for Nile View.

Ramsis Hotel, (Sharia Abtal al Tahrir), ☎230 4000. High rise hotel. Slow service and no character but good views and good value.Singles: 65LE, Doubles: 100LE.

Yassin Hotel, (Off Sharia Abtal at-Tahrir, next to Noorhan Hotel), ☎231 7109. Rooms are basic but clean. Staff is aggressive about trying to sell you a tour.Singles: 15LE, Doubles: 20LE.

Mid-range

Bet el Kerem, (The only hotel accommodation on the Westbank, near the Tombs of the Nobles and close to the ferry boat to Aswan centre), [4]. Quiet atmosphere, hospitable staff, clean rooms, small (8 double rooms), restaurant for guests on the roof terrace. Marvellous view over the Nile, the desert and the Nubian villages. Perfect place if you are looking for something different! Bike rental available.Double: €30; House rental: €45.

Elephantine Island Resort. Run down, but in the process of being refurbished.

Ekadolli Nubian Guesthouse, (20 minutes by taxi or boat from Aswan to the guesthouse, which is situated in Garb Sahel - a Nubian village on the west bank of the Nile, facing the city of Aswan overlooking the first cataract), ☎+20 1111 41 62 43 (English, Arabic) ([email protected] / [email protected]), [6]. Half or full-board, departure/arrival transfers and boat tour packages are available upon request. Tour guides are fluent in English, French, German, Italian and Arabic.Single: 20euro; Double: 30euro; Triple: 35euro; Family of four: 40euro.

Old Cataract Hotel, (Abtal El Tahrir Street), ☎+20 97/2316000 ([email protected]), [7]. Live it up like the aristocrats of old! Part of the Sofitel Legend chain of hotels, the Old Cataract Hotel overlooks the Nile River opposite the island of Elephantine.

Camping

Glory of Nubia Camping Island, (In the heart of the archipelago. Can be reached by motorboat.), ([email protected]), [8]. On an island in Aswan’s archipelago, natural setting, panoramic view of the Nile and the hills of Aswan. The island is located ten minutes by motorboat from the main land, close to the Mausoleum of Agha Khan and the Monastery of St. Simeon.

Stay safe

Aswan is generally a very safe city. However, do watch out for quite blatant attempts at pickpocketing in the souq. These thieves will approach you carrying scarves, shirts or even papyrus in one hand to sell to you, while attempting to go into your pockets with the other hand. The locals know this goes on, but do not count on them to intervene. Also, women should avoid travelling alone if they are not comfortable with leering men, although they are all bluster. Most horse carriage drivers will not commit on the price when you arrive at your destination and you're expect to give more.

Contact

Internet access is available at Keylany Hotel and Noorhan Hotel for 10LE per hour; but internet speeds are very slow. Kothor Hotel has more easonably fast internet available for 5LE per hour or 10LE unlimited for your stay.

Cope

There is so much to do around the Aswan area that time can be an issue. The local people are generally very cooperative, and for a price, doors might remain opened regardless of the hour.

Get out

Philae Temple at Night

Taxi trips or organized tours to the nearby towns of Daraw and the Temple of Kom Ombo further north on the Nile. These trips should cost 150LE. Arrange this carefully as a police convoy may well be necessary.

Cruises to Luxor - The 2-night cruise should cost US$75++ per night, including meals, depending on the boat.

Felucca trips to Luxor - see the Felucca guide for a complete itinerary and information

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!